ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to determine the
implications of Onchocerciasis on the health conditions and socio-economic
activities in Oji River LG.A. The type of data used to obtain the information
were questionnaires. Data was analyzed using chi-square, frequency distribution
and percentages. Chi-square test and analysis of variance test were used to
test the hypotheses. The study reveals that ochocerciasis is endemic in Oji
River L.G.A and its incidence level is high. The level of incidence varies in
different village, occupation income and educational levels. The intensity of
the infectious bites of the vector and occupational group mostly affected are
the farmers because of the nearness of the houses of most of the farmers to
streams and water bodies. The pathological effects of onchocerciasis include
visual impairment, rashes, palpable nodules, leopards skins, groins and
blindness. There is no significant difference in the incidence of
onchocerciasis in the two communities of the study area. Onchocerciasis
infection is not related to income, education, health and occupation of the
inhabitants. The work recommends that a long term planning programme involving
the distribution of anti-parasitic drugs and nodulectomy should be adopted by
the government for the effective control of the onchocerciasis in the area.
Farmlands close to the identified breeding sites need to be left uncultivated
until measures are taken to flush out parasite from the breeding sites.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Onchocerciasis is an
infection caused by the Onchocerca volvulus worm which is spread
to humans through the bite of an infected blackfly. It is a leading
cause of blindness in some countries and is believed to infect over 17 million
people worldwide (World Health Organization, 2008). Infection can cause
dermatitis with severe itching, eye disease including blindness, and the
formation of nodules in the skin.
In recent decades,
Onchocerciasis has struck 18 million people worldwide, and accounts for nearly
a tenth of all cases of blindness (World Health Organization, 2008). The vast
majority of cases of river blindness are in Sub-Sahara Africa, where nearly 30
countries have been affected (World Health Organization, 2008). Onchocerciasis
is a major public health problem in many parts of the world. All reported cases
result from emigration of individuals from endemic areas. (Crosskey, 1998)
The presence of
Onchocerciasis has been reported in Africa. These observations were confirmed
in 1917 and 1920 by researchers. Then in 1995 an estimated 270,000 people were
blind and another 500,000 had severe visual impairment as a result of the
disease (World Health Organization, 2007). The disease is found in east central
and West Africa. In West Africa regions where the disease has reached
hyperendemic proportions, over 100,000 persons were blind or had their eye
sight seriously impared (World Health Organization, 2006). In Nigeria alone
over 50% of identified hospital cases of filarial infection were cases of
Onchocerciasis is endemic in Oji River Local Government Area.
In Achi, a town in Oji River
Local Government Area of Enugu state, 68% prevalence rate with a density of
24.9% microfilaria per mg of skin was reported (Nwoke, 1990).
This study emphasizes the
implications of Onchocerciasis on the health conditions and socio-economic life
in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
1.1 Statement
of Problem
The high incidence of serious
visual impairment and blindness, skin rashes, lesions and intense itching and
depigmentation of the skin of many inhabitants of Oji River L.G.A attracted the
interest of the researcher. In Oji Local Government Area of Enugu State, there
is a high incidence of serious visual impairment and blindness. In severe cases the patients are
infected with Onchocerca volvolus which manifest under skin as nodules
(Ochocercoma) hanging and enlarged groins. This condition has affected most of
the indigenes, particularly farmers, who have to abandon their fertile
farmlands due to severe illness or visual impairment, which in very extreme
cases lead to blindness. The socio-economic fabric of the area is affected as
many of the inhabitants, including youths, and adults, resort to begging.
In Oji River, onchocerciasis
can be considered as an occupational disease. Most of the risk areas are Achi
and Ugwuoba who are exposed to the bites of black flies while going about their
daily chores where black flies breed, or are common. The occupational group
includes farmers, fishermen, cattle herdsmen or people who live near rivers,
which are the breeding sites. The majority are aware of the disease which they
recognized once their body starts itching or muscular skeletal pains develops,
while some attributed chronic itching, nodules, bad vision and leopard skin to
blakfly bite. In the southern part of Nigeria, ochocerciasis occurs in areas
where savannah and forest regions merge. Therefore, in view of these, the
researcher decided to embark on this study. The implications of onchocerciasis on the health conditions and socio-economic
activities in Oji River L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria.
1.2 Research Questions
1.
What percentage of the population
are affected by onchocerciasis?
2.
What is the impact of the incidence
of onchocerciasis on the health of the inhabitants?
3.
What is the relationship between
the incidence of onchocerciasis and sex, age, and education?
4.
How does the incidence of
onchocerciasis affect the income level of household?
5.
How does the incidence of
onchocerciasis related to the type of occupation in the study area?
1.3 Aims and Objectives
The aim of the study is to
investigate the implications of onchocerciasis on the Health conditions and
Socio-economic activities in Oji River L.G.A of Enugu State. In doing this, the
following form the objectives of the study which are to:
1.
determine the percentage of the
inhabitants affected by incidence of the onchocerciasis in the study area.
2.
determine the health impact of the
incidence of onchocerciasis in the two communities of the study area.
3.
determine the relationship between
income, occupation, education and the infected population.
4.
identify how the incidence of
onchocerciasis affect the income levels (earnings) of people in Oji River L.G.A.
5.
establish the relation to type of
occupation of the inhabitants.
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Item Type: Project Material | Size: 75 pages | Chapters: 1-5
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